SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a meeting to take stock of ongoing works on various roads and bridges taken under PMGSY, CRIF, NABARD and UT Capex across Jammu and Kashmir. Secretary, PWD; Secretary, Law; Engineer-in-Chief; Deputy Commissioners; Chief Engineers besides senior officers from the concerned department attended the meeting.
Outstation officers participated in the meeting through video conferencing. The Chief Secretary, during this meeting, enquired about the starting dates of works on these Roads and Bridges taken under different phases of PM Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), NABARD funding and UT Capex.
He noted that the work on remaining 11 habitations under phase-I of PMGSY needs to be expedited under every circumstances besides strenuous efforts should be made to complete works on Long Span Bridges (LSBs) under progress in various districts of J&K. Dulloo observed that since reorganization of department, there is sufficient manpower including senior engineers available in peripheral areas. He maintained that this should entail into better supervision and quality outcomes for the department.
He exhorted upon the senior functionaries of PWD like Chief Engineers and SEs to take field visits on regular basis to remain updated of works being undertaken in their respective jurisdictions. He stressed on ensuring timely completion of projects by closely monitoring their pace on ground. The Chief Secretary also advised the officers to take swift actions in resolution of bottlenecks like land compensation, seeking forest clearances or other contractor related concerns. He asked them to avail the assistance of divisional/district administrations for executing swift actions on ground.
In his presentation Secretary, PWD, gave an overview of the works in progress under these programs. He highlighted the achievements made by the department in past few years regarding completion of roads, bridges and blacktopping of thousands of kilometers of riding surfaces all across the UT. He informed the meeting that under PMGSY I & II 18, 205 Kms of road length and 217 LSBs stands completed connecting 2129 habitations in J&K. Under PMGSY-III, 1207 kms of road length, 66 LSBs are currently at different stages of completion, he added.
It was further given out that the department is making all efforts to take up the 1820 unconnected habitations under PMGSY-IV having around 100-250 households as per 2011 census. It was revealed that 294 projects had been taken under CRIF at a cumulative cost of Rs 4317 Cr of which 173 works stands completed till date. Regarding the Bridge Program, it was revealed that 143 LSBs at a sanctioned cost of Rs 515.54 Cr were undertaken, out of which 36 have been completed and more 36 are slated to be finished by the end 9f this financial year.
Among the targets for 2024-25 it was given out that macadamization of 5000 Kms of road length under various central & UT sector schemes would be achieved,100 bridges sanctioned under various schemes, 2338 works under UT Capex, 200 Roads/Bridges sanctioned under NABARD besides completion of 1100 Kms of road length under PMGSY would also be completed during this period.
KISHTWAR: The annual Shri Machail Yatra commenced today with religious fervor and gaiety. On the first day, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban Range, Shridhar Patil, along with Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Dr. Devansh Yadav, SSP Kishtwar Abdul Qayoom, ADC Kishtwar Pawan Kotwal, CEO KDA Dr Rishi Sharma, ACD Kishtwar Phulail Singh, SDM Paddar Dr. Amit Kumar, DDC Paddar Hari Krishan Chauhan, AO DC Office Satinder Kumar, BMO Dr. Anil Sharma, Tehsildar Manjeet Kumar, BDO Paddar Sumit Kumar, and other officials of the Machail Yatra cell, local PRIs, prominent socio-religious personalities, and hundreds of devotees paid obeisance at the Bhawan of Shri Chandi Mata Ji.
They prayed for peace, prosperity, and development of the district Kishtwar and the Union Territory as a whole. Meanwhile, the DIG DKR, along with DC Kishtwar and SSP Kishtwar, reviewed and assessed the logistics and security arrangements made for the ongoing Yatra and issued necessary directions to the local Civil and Police administration to ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
Interacting with the pilgrims, DIG, DC and SSP assured that the administration has made comprehensive civil and security measures to ensure a hassle-free and safe pilgrimage. The Deputy Commissioner apprised about various arrangements put in place this year for the convenience of the Yatris. These include providing adequate lodging and boarding facilities under the Yatri Sarai at Chandi Mata Bhawan in addition to the tent city at the Bhawan and accommodation facilities at Yatri Bhawan and Sapphire Guest House and Tent Houses open for Yatris at Gulabgarh.
He informed that this year the trekking distance to Machail Bhawan has been reduced as the motorable road up to Chashoti has been opened with the joint efforts of PMGSY authorities and district administration. Now only a 3-4 hour on-foot journey remains for Yatris to reach the Temple of Shri Chandi Mata.
The DC also informed about the various arrangements including power and water supply, sanitation and hygiene,Medicare facilities at various points as well as the availability of helicopter services for the convenience of Yatris. Langers at various points have been installed by devotees, besides local food stalls and homestay facilities being provided by local entrepreneurs to cater to the needs of the pilgrims.
Similarly, mobile phone connectivity in the Bhawan and en route has been taken care of. This year, a new initiative has been taken by the administration spearheaded by Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Sh. Ramesh Kumar to facilitate online registration and online donations for Yatris, in addition to better access to information and services on the official website of Shree Machail Mata Yatra (shreemachailmatayatra.com).
The website also enables Yatris to avail themselves of information about the various facilities and to stay updated. The administration has set up a control room to address any queries or provide assistance to pilgrims during their journey. Pilgrims can easily contact the administration through this dedicated facility. Also, an adequate traffic and transport plan has been put in place so that Yatris face no inconvenience.
JAMMU: Government Polytechnic Bikram Chowk Jammu today organised Certificate Distribution Function under PM Vishwakarma Scheme in which certificates were distributed to 277 trainees in Twelve Batches of Tailor (Darzi) trade, on the successful completion of the Basic Skilling Training under PM Vishwakarma Scheme. Er. Arun Bangotra, Principal Government Polytechnic Jammu, highlighted the basic objectives of the scheme by recognition of artisans through PM Vishwakarma Certificate as well as basic training of five to seven days.
Ramesh Raina along with staff of SBI FCL Jammu conducted banking cum awareness session for loan scheme under PM Vishwakarma Scheme and also informed trainees on how to apply for loan under this scheme. While speaking on the occasion, the trainees expressed gratitude towards the administration of the college for the successful and smooth conduct of their training.
Other presents on the occasion were Sukhdeep Singh HOD Civil Engineering/ SPoC, Sanjay Koul HOD Computer Engg, Mohd. Shabir Lecturer-I Mechanical Engg, Sakshi Kapahi Lecturer I&C and Amit Kapoor Sr. W/Instructor, Vicky Sharma, Surekha Rani, Sangojeta Mehra, staff of Government Polytechnic Jammu and trainees under PM Vishwakarma scheme were also present.
JAMMU: A brainstorming session was held today for the students from MAM College and Commerce College, Jammu on ‘Startup Idea Generation’ by JKEDI at its Bari-Brahmana campus. The session was aimed at providing the knowhow about the skills and innovative ideas which can help the students to take entrepreneurship as a career choice. The students participated enthusiastically, bringing about various perspectives and exchanging ideas regarding various entrepreneurial opportunities.
Speaking on the occasion, Director JKEDI, Rajinder Kumar Sharma highlighted the significance of such initiatives in nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset among students. He emphasized JKEDI's commitment in a supporting young entrepreneurs and preparing them for the challenges of today's competitive world. He further highlighted the significance of exposing students to entrepreneurship early in their academic journey and emphasized JKEDI's role in equipping young minds with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in today's competitive times.
Participants expressed enthusiasm about the session with clearer understanding of the steps involved in launching a startup. The session concluded with students presenting their startup ideas, receiving constructive feedback and encouragement. JKEDI officials including In-charge CIIBM, Zahid Ali Dar and team Sorab Mengi and Shiwani Sharma guided the students through various stages of idea generation, from identifying market needs to developing viable business models.
UDHAMPUR: Chief Justice (Acting), High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority, Tashi Rabstan, today inaugurated a New Block dedicated to Legal Aid Defense Counsels (LADCs) at the District Court Complex, Udhampur. He was accompanied by M. K. Sharma, Principal Secretary to Chief Justice, Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority and Prem Sagar, Secretary, HCLSC.
Haq Nawaz Zargar, PDJ (Chairman DLSA) Udhampur; Dinesh Gupta, ADJ; Saloni Rai, DC Udhampur; Manoj Parihar, CJM; Salahu Din, Sub-Judge; Ajay Kumar, Secretary, DLSA Udhampur and other Judicial officers besides members of District Bar Association and officers of the district administration were present on the occasion. A ceremonial guard of honour was also accorded to Justice Tashi Rabstan.
After inaugurating the new block of LADCs, Justice Tashi Rabstan highlighted their important role in ensuring access to justice for marginalized and underprivileged sections of society particularly in the criminal cases. He emphasized that the new block would significantly enhance the capacity and effectiveness of legal aid services in Udhampur, providing a dedicated space for LADCs to work efficiently and assist those in need of legal representation.
Justice Tashi commended the efforts of the District Legal Services Authority in Udhampur for their dedication towards providing quality legal aid services to those who are entitled to the same. He further said that the new block would strengthen the legal aid infrastructure and contribute to the overall mission of ensuring justice for all, irrespective of socio-economic backgrounds.
Following the inauguration, Justice Tashi Rabstan interacted with the district administration to take stock of judicial infrastructure coming up in different Tehsils of district Udhampur. A delegation of Bar Association Udhampur led by President J.D. Slathia also met Justice Tashi and presented a charter of demands which were patiently heard and some of them were resolved by issuing instructions to the concerned quarters.
Justice Tashi also had interaction with the Judicial Officers of the District Court Udhampur. He discussed various initiatives and measures to further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the legal system in Udhampur, reaffirming his commitment to continuous improvement in the delivery of justice. The inauguration of the new LADC block is a testament to the ongoing efforts of the J&K Legal Services Authority to promote legal awareness and provide robust legal aid services, ensuring that justice is accessible to every citizen.
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